Must-Visit Breweries in the Bay Area for Craft Beers

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Enjoy a beer at some of the must-visit breweries in the Bay Area and San Francisco.

The Bay Area doesn’t only feature a number of world-class restaurants. It also features a smattering of breweries that produce a variety of craft beers. It is rapidly becoming a mecca of beer lovers and makers. Here’s a look at some of the must-visit craft beer providers and breweries in the Bay Area.

Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery

Located in Haight Ashbury, Magnolia Gastropub & Brewery has been producing house-brewed beers since 1997. It serves a rotating tap of cask beers, stouts, IPAs and bitters. It also serves quintessential pub food, such as sausage, fish and chips and burgers; and some elevated fare like cheese and charcuterie, roasted king salmon and confit chicken leg. Magnolia also features a space that has an industrial yet welcoming atmosphere.

Anchor Brewing Company

Founded in 1907, the Anchor Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in the U.S. This three-story brewery located in Potrero Hill offers a one and a half hour tour that includes the history of the beers and a look at the process of making them. Visitors also get the chance to taste a variety of beers in Anchor’s large taproom. While it is open to the public, reservation is required.

Almanac Beer Company

Located in Mission neighborhood, Almanac is a newcomer in the city. While it doesn’t have its own brewing facility, it keeps on producing brews that were praised by many beer experts. Almanac partners with small farms in NorCal for dairy produce and fresh fruits, which are fermented in oak barrels, and makes its barrel series with cool, summer-inspired names such as Blueberry Jack and Cherry Picker. Almanac features a large tap room that has 15 beers on rotation, including its exclusive seasonal releases.

ThirstyBear Brewing Company

Located in SOMA, ThirstyBear is the oldest brewpub (1996) in San Francisco and it is the only one in the city that brews 100 percent organic beer. It has various beers on tap, all of which are perfect to be paired with Spanish tapas served in its restaurant. ThirstyBear’s restaurant not only serves organic beer, it also uses responsible meat and sustainable seafood. This makes ThirstyBear the most “San Francisco” brewing company on this list. Its craft beers are only available at its restaurant, so these brews can’t be found at the local grocery stores in the city.

From exotic ingredients such as hibiscus and Philz coffee to Himalayan sea salt, the Bay Area’s breweries are constantly experimenting with new flavors to keep up with the growing trend. Visit one of these Bay Area breweries to try some of these uniquely flavored brews.